Computed tomographic evaluation of the odontoid

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery 2007;15(1):67-72

Computed tomographic evaluation of the odontoid process for two-screw fixation in type-II fracture: a Malaysian perspective MI Yusof, AH Yusof

Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Science USM, Kelantan, Malaysia

MS Abdullah

Department of Radiology, School of Medical Science USM, Kelantan, Malaysia

TMAR Hussin

Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Science USM, Kelantan, Malaysia

ABSTRACT Purposes. To measure the diameter of the odontoid process in a Malaysian population using computed tomographic (CT) scan and determine the feasibility of treating type-II odontoid fractures using 2 cortical screws. Methods. CT images of the odontoid process of 85 patients aged 18 to 80 years were analysed; 69 (81%) were male (mean age, 44 years) and 16 (19%) were female (mean age, 48 years). Both anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameters of the odontoid process were measured via axial CT images at 3 different levels: the base of the odontoid process and 1.2 mm and 2.4 mm above the base. Results. The mean AP and transverse diameters of the odontoid process in men were 11.3 (range, 10.0–12.6; standard deviation [SD], 0.7) mm and 10.2 (range, 8.5–12.3; SD, 0.8) mm respectively, whereas in women were 10.9 (range, 9.4–13.2; SD, 0.8) mm

and 10.1 (range, 7.9–11.6; SD, 0.9) mm respectively. The difference in corresponding mean dimensions between men and women was not statistically significant. The mean AP diameter was significantly larger than the mean transverse diameter. At the base and 1.2 mm and 2.4 mm above the base, the respective transverse diameters of 4 (5%), 13 (15%), and 24 (28%) of the patients were